Here's what to do:

• Log into your Apple account on the Apple Store app and make sure your credit card or Apple Pay is working.

• Figure out which iPhone X model you want — which color, which carrier, and how you plan to pay for it.

• Tap the heart in the corner to add it to your Favorites. You can add multiple models to your Favorites in case one is sold out.

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• Use the Favorites menu under "Account" to quickly get to your iPhone X model as soon as pre-orders open.

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• Hope you get lucky!

In previous years, people using the app have had more success than people who have tried to pre-order through apple.com.

Apple also recommends that if you're part of Apple's subscription program the iPhone Update Program, you can get pre-approved to buy the iPhone X, further accelerating the process.

Real pros will also have a second laptop or desktop with tabs set to the iPhone X product pages on apple.com, retailers like Best Buy, and carriers like AT&T or Verizon in case the Apple Store app doesn't work the first time.